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Page 263
over, I would not wish them to think that you were so ill content with me that you have remained in that sad condition all night."
With that she fled from the room, leaving her husband half exasperated and half enchanted. One thing was certain. He was not likely to be bored even if he was pent in the keep alone with Alinor all winter. Doubtless she would find some deviltry to amuse him, but this was no morning for guessing games. It was all very well, he thought, easing himself out of the bed, to say she would send his squires to him. No doubt they would be useful in getting his clothes and armor onprovided he or they knew where his clothing and armor was. Ian certainly did not know. Alinor and her maids had been seeing to his needs for the past five days. All he knew was that perfectly exquisite raiment, most of which he had never seen before, appeared each time he needed to dress. The truth was that half the time he had been too cross to ask where the things had come from, and the other half he had had something more important to talk about.
As soon as Owain and Geoffrey arrived, Ian realized he should have known Alinor better than to suspect anything, including a wedding night, could divert her from practicality. Before he said a word, Owain found and presented the chamber pot. Ian laughed so hard he almost missed it. Lock and key indeed! Alinor had known well enough what his need was. In the next moment, seeing Geoffrey heading for the other chamber, he shouted for him to stop.
"Where are you going?"
"For your clothing, lord. Gertrude said to come to her for it."
"Oh, well, do not enter the chamber. Lady Alinor is dressing in there."
The boy blushed and hurried out. Ian raised an eyebrow. If Geoffrey was still as innocent as he seemed, he might need a little urging in the right direction. Owain

 
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